Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A planar waveguide, comprising: a waveguide tube having a first surface and an opposing second surface separated by a thickness there between, wherein the first and second surfaces extend to a rim side, wherein the rim side extends along the thickness of the waveguide tube, the rim side having a cut surface; and a light-shielding film prepared from a curable ink composition disposed on the cut surface of the rim side of the waveguide tube, wherein the thickness of the light-shielding film is 2 to 120 μm, the optical density (OD) of the light-shielding film is 0.01 to 0.7 relative to a light-shielding film having a thickness of 1.0 μm, and the hardness of the light-shielding film is pencil hardness 3 H or more in accordance with ASTM D3363 standard, wherein the curable ink composition comprises a colorant, an epoxy compound, an oxetane compound, and a photopolymerization initiator, or comprises a colorant, an acrylate monomer, a urethane acrylate oligomer, an organosilane, and a photopolymerization initiator, wherein the colorant comprises a black ink pigment, and wherein the content of the black ink pigment is 0.1% to 8% by weight on the basis of total weight of the film.
This invention relates to optical components and addresses the problem of light leakage or unwanted scattering at the edges of planar waveguides. The invention describes a planar waveguide structure. The core component is a waveguide tube with two opposing planar surfaces separated by a defined thickness. These surfaces extend to a rim side, which runs along the thickness of the tube. This rim side features a cut surface. A light-shielding film is applied to this cut surface of the rim side. This film is prepared from a curable ink composition. The film has specific properties: its thickness ranges from 2 to 120 micrometers. Its optical density (OD) is between 0.01 and 0.7, measured relative to a 1.0 micrometer thick film. Furthermore, the film exhibits a hardness of pencil hardness 3H or greater, as determined by the ASTM D3363 standard. The curable ink composition used to form the light-shielding film can be one of two types. The first type comprises a colorant, an epoxy compound, an oxetane compound, and a photopolymerization initiator. The second type comprises a colorant, an acrylate monomer, a urethane acrylate oligomer, an organosilane, and a photopolymerization initiator. In both compositions, the colorant includes a black ink pigment, with the black ink pigment content being between 0.1% and 8% by weight of the total film.
2. The planar waveguide according to claim 1 , wherein the black ink pigment is selected from the group consisting of carbon black, graphite, metal oxide and organic black pigments.
A planar waveguide is a thin, flat optical structure designed to guide light within a specific layer, often used in displays, sensors, and optical communication devices. A key challenge in such waveguides is minimizing light scattering and absorption losses, which can degrade performance. To address this, a planar waveguide incorporates a black ink pigment layer to absorb stray light and reduce unwanted reflections. The black ink pigment is selected from a group including carbon black, graphite, metal oxide, and organic black pigments. Carbon black and graphite are highly effective at absorbing light across a broad spectrum due to their high carbon content and structural properties. Metal oxides, such as iron oxide or titanium dioxide, provide stable and tunable absorption characteristics. Organic black pigments, such as perylene or aniline black, offer alternatives with tailored optical properties. The choice of pigment depends on factors like absorption efficiency, compatibility with waveguide materials, and environmental stability. This design enhances optical efficiency by minimizing light leakage and improving contrast in applications like liquid crystal displays or optical sensors. The pigment layer is integrated into the waveguide structure to ensure uniform light absorption without disrupting the guided light path.
3. The planar waveguide according to claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the light-shielding film is 3 to 60 μm.
A planar waveguide is a device used to guide light within a thin, flat structure, often employed in optical communication, sensing, and display technologies. A key challenge in such waveguides is minimizing light leakage and unwanted reflections, which can degrade performance. One solution involves incorporating a light-shielding film to block stray light while maintaining optical efficiency. The planar waveguide includes a core layer for light propagation, a cladding layer surrounding the core to confine light, and a light-shielding film positioned to prevent light leakage. The light-shielding film is designed with a specific thickness range of 3 to 60 micrometers. This thickness ensures effective light blocking without excessive material usage or structural interference. The film may be applied to one or more surfaces of the waveguide, such as the cladding or substrate, depending on the application. The material of the film is chosen to absorb or reflect unwanted light while allowing the core to transmit light efficiently. This design improves optical isolation, reduces crosstalk, and enhances overall waveguide performance in integrated photonic systems.
4. The planar waveguide according to claim 1 , wherein the cut surface is a planar surface, a curved surface, or an inclined surface.
A planar waveguide is a structure designed to guide electromagnetic waves, such as light, along a defined path. A common challenge in waveguide design is achieving precise control over wave propagation, especially at interfaces or discontinuities where the waveguide is modified. This can lead to unwanted reflections, scattering, or signal loss, degrading performance. The invention addresses this issue by introducing a waveguide with a cut surface that can be shaped as a planar, curved, or inclined surface. The cut surface is formed at an interface or discontinuity within the waveguide, such as where the waveguide is terminated, split, or coupled to another optical component. By allowing the cut surface to be customized in shape, the waveguide can be optimized for specific applications, such as reducing reflections, improving coupling efficiency, or directing light in a particular direction. The planar surface provides a flat interface, the curved surface can focus or collimate light, and the inclined surface can redirect light at an angle. This flexibility enhances the waveguide's adaptability to different optical systems, improving overall performance and efficiency.
5. The planar waveguide according to claim 1 , wherein the light-shielding film is disposed on the first and second surfaces at the periphery thereof.
A planar waveguide is used to guide light within a thin, flat structure, often for applications in displays, sensors, or optical communication. A common challenge in such waveguides is unwanted light leakage or interference at the edges, which can degrade performance. To address this, a light-shielding film is applied to the first and second surfaces of the waveguide at their peripheral regions. The first surface is typically the top or input side, while the second surface is the bottom or output side. The light-shielding film prevents stray light from escaping or entering the waveguide edges, ensuring efficient light propagation and reducing optical noise. The film may be made of an opaque material, such as metal or a dark polymer, and is positioned to cover the outermost regions of both surfaces. This design improves the waveguide's optical efficiency and reliability by minimizing edge-related light losses. The waveguide itself may include a core layer for light transmission, surrounded by cladding layers to confine the light within the core. The light-shielding film is applied to the outermost edges of these layers to fully block peripheral light interactions. This solution is particularly useful in high-precision optical systems where edge effects must be minimized.
6. A waveguide module comprising the waveguide according to claim 1 .
A waveguide module includes a waveguide designed to guide electromagnetic waves, such as optical or radio frequency signals, with minimal loss and distortion. The waveguide is structured to maintain signal integrity over a specified frequency range, ensuring efficient transmission. The module may incorporate additional components, such as couplers, filters, or amplifiers, to enhance performance. These elements are integrated to optimize signal routing, filtering, or amplification within the waveguide system. The design may also include mechanical supports or thermal management features to ensure stability and reliability under operational conditions. The waveguide module is particularly useful in telecommunications, radar systems, or high-frequency data transmission applications where precise signal control is required. The invention addresses challenges related to signal attenuation, interference, and environmental robustness in waveguide-based systems.
7. A method for manufacturing a planar waveguide, comprising: coating a curable ink composition on a cut surface of a rim side of the waveguide tube, wherein the waveguide tube having a first surface and an opposing second surface separated by a thickness therebetween, wherein the first and second surfaces extend to the rim side, wherein the rim side extends along the thickness of the waveguide tube, the rim side having the cut surface; and curing the curable ink composition to form a light-shielding film, wherein the light-shielding film having a thickness of 2 to 120 μm, having an optical density (OD) of 0.01 to 0.7 relative to a light-shielding film having a thickness of 1.0 μm, and having a hardness of 3 H or more in accordance with ASTM D3363 standard, wherein the curable ink composition comprises a colorant, an epoxy compound, an oxetane compound, and a photopolymerization initiator, or comprises a colorant, an acrylate monomer, a urethane acrylate oligomer, an organosilane, and a photopolymerization initiator, wherein the colorant comprises a black ink pigment, and wherein the content of the black ink pigment is 0.1% to 8% by weight on the basis of total weight of the film.
This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a planar waveguide with an integrated light-shielding film. The waveguide is a tubular structure with two opposing surfaces separated by a thickness, extending to a rim side that has been cut to form a flat surface. The method involves coating this cut surface with a curable ink composition, which is then cured to form a light-shielding film. The film has a thickness between 2 and 120 micrometers, an optical density (OD) of 0.01 to 0.7 per micrometer, and a hardness of at least 3H (ASTM D3363). The ink composition contains a black pigment-based colorant (0.1% to 8% by weight), along with either (1) an epoxy compound, oxetane compound, and photopolymerization initiator, or (2) an acrylate monomer, urethane acrylate oligomer, organosilane, and photopolymerization initiator. The film provides light shielding while maintaining structural integrity and durability. This method is useful in optical applications where precise light control and mechanical robustness are required.
8. The method for manufacturing a waveguide according to claim 7 , wherein the curable ink composition comprises the acrylate monomer and the urethane acrylate oligomer in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 8:1.
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a waveguide, specifically addressing the need for precise control over the material properties of the waveguide to optimize optical performance. The method involves using a curable ink composition that includes an acrylate monomer and a urethane acrylate oligomer. The key innovation lies in the specific weight ratio of these components, which is maintained between 2:1 and 8:1. This ratio ensures the ink composition has the right balance of flexibility, adhesion, and curing properties, which are critical for producing waveguides with consistent optical characteristics. The acrylate monomer provides rigidity and fast curing, while the urethane acrylate oligomer enhances flexibility and adhesion to substrates. By carefully adjusting this ratio, the method enables the production of waveguides with improved durability and optical clarity. The waveguide manufacturing process may involve depositing the ink composition in a patterned manner, followed by curing to form the final waveguide structure. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring high-precision optical components, such as fiber optics, integrated photonics, and optical interconnects. The invention ensures that the waveguide maintains its structural integrity while achieving the desired refractive index and transparency.
9. The method for manufacturing a waveguide according to claim 7 , wherein coating the curable ink composition further comprises: coating the curable ink composition on the cut surface of the rim side using a dispenser process or an inkjet printing method.
A method for manufacturing a waveguide involves forming a waveguide core by coating a curable ink composition on a cut surface of a rim side of a waveguide structure. The curable ink composition is applied using either a dispenser process or an inkjet printing method. The waveguide core is then cured to solidify the composition, forming a waveguide with a defined core region. This method addresses the challenge of precisely forming waveguide cores with high optical quality and dimensional accuracy, which is critical for applications in optical communication, sensing, and integrated photonics. The use of a dispenser or inkjet printing allows for controlled deposition of the ink composition, enabling fine-tuned waveguide dimensions and reducing material waste. The curing step ensures the waveguide core maintains its shape and optical properties. This approach improves manufacturing efficiency and consistency compared to traditional methods like photolithography or etching, which may involve complex masking steps or material removal processes. The method is particularly useful for producing waveguides with customizable geometries and high optical performance.
10. The method for manufacturing a waveguide according to claim 7 , wherein the curing is ultraviolet (UV) curing.
A method for manufacturing a waveguide involves forming a waveguide structure using a photopolymerizable material, which is then cured to solidify the structure. The curing process specifically employs ultraviolet (UV) light to polymerize the material, ensuring precise and rapid solidification. This technique is particularly useful in optical communication systems where waveguides are used to transmit light signals with minimal loss. The use of UV curing allows for high-resolution patterning and efficient production, addressing challenges related to alignment accuracy and material stability in waveguide fabrication. The method ensures that the waveguide maintains its optical properties while being cost-effective and scalable for mass production. This approach is suitable for applications in fiber optics, integrated photonics, and other areas requiring precise light guidance.
11. The method for manufacturing a waveguide according to claim 7 , wherein the thickness of the light-shielding film is 3 to 60 μm.
A waveguide manufacturing method involves forming a light-shielding film on a waveguide core to prevent light leakage. The waveguide core is typically made of a transparent material such as glass or polymer, and the light-shielding film is applied to its surface. The film is designed to absorb or reflect stray light, ensuring efficient light transmission through the waveguide. The method includes steps such as depositing the light-shielding material, patterning it to cover specific regions, and curing it to achieve the desired optical properties. The thickness of the light-shielding film is controlled to be between 3 and 60 micrometers, balancing light-blocking effectiveness with manufacturing feasibility. This thickness range ensures sufficient opacity to block unwanted light while maintaining structural integrity and compatibility with waveguide dimensions. The process may also include additional steps like cleaning, surface treatment, or alignment to optimize film adhesion and uniformity. The resulting waveguide is used in optical communication systems, displays, or sensors, where precise light control is critical. The method addresses the challenge of minimizing light leakage in waveguides, improving signal quality and system performance.
12. The method for manufacturing a waveguide according to claim 7 , wherein the cut surface is a planar surface, a curved surface, or an inclined surface.
A method for manufacturing a waveguide involves forming a cut surface on the waveguide, where the cut surface can be a planar, curved, or inclined surface. The waveguide is produced by extruding a material, such as a polymer or ceramic, through a die to create a hollow tubular structure. The extruded waveguide is then cut to a desired length, and the cut surface is processed to achieve a specific geometry. The cut surface may be planar for flat-end applications, curved for optical coupling, or inclined for angled connections. The method ensures precise control over the waveguide's dimensions and surface finish, improving optical or signal transmission efficiency. The waveguide may be used in telecommunications, medical devices, or industrial applications where precise light or signal guidance is required. The manufacturing process allows for customization of the waveguide's end geometry to meet specific performance requirements.
13. The method of manufacturing a waveguide according to claim 7 , wherein the light-shielding film is disposed on the first and second surfaces at the periphery thereof.
A method for manufacturing a waveguide involves forming a light-shielding film on the peripheral regions of both the first and second surfaces of the waveguide. The waveguide is designed to guide light, and the light-shielding film prevents unwanted light leakage or interference at the edges. The waveguide itself may include a core layer for light transmission, surrounded by cladding layers to confine the light within the core. The light-shielding film is applied to the outer edges of these surfaces to ensure optical isolation and improve performance. This method is particularly useful in optical devices where stray light could degrade signal quality or cause crosstalk. The film may be deposited using techniques such as sputtering, evaporation, or coating, depending on the material and application requirements. The waveguide may be part of a larger optical system, such as a photonic integrated circuit or an optical fiber assembly, where precise light control is critical. The light-shielding film helps maintain optical integrity by blocking light from escaping or entering unintended areas. This method ensures that the waveguide operates efficiently with minimal optical losses or distortions.
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October 20, 2020
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